Barcelonavs.Atletico

Yamal's absence is huge news for Barcelona considering his importance to the side, and head coach Hansi Flick now has a major decision to make when it comes to a replacement.

Fermin Lopez may be the player to benefit, which would see Dani Olmo move into a wider area, with Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski also featuring in the final third of the field for the division leaders, who lost 1-0 to Leganes last time out.

Andreas Christensen and Ansu Fati both have outside chances of returning to the squad, but Marc Bernal and Marc-Andre ter Stegen are long-term absentees for the Catalan giants.

Ronald Araujo is back to fitness after a lengthy absence following a hamstring operation, but he is expected to again be named among the substitutes for the first whistle on Saturday night, with Pau Cubarsi returning alongside Inigo Martinez.

Frenkie de Jong and Gavi are also set to continue on the bench, with neither currently considered to be a part of Flick's first XI.

Marc Casado has been one of the stories of the season, with the Spaniard outstanding in the middle of midfield, and there is little danger of him losing his starting role for the top-of-the-table fixture.

Barcelona possible starting lineup: Pena; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Olmo, F Lopez, Raphinha; Lewandowski

Written by

Matt Law